*17 Reunites for Relief

For years, *17 was the beautiful, award-winning restaurant at what was then the Alden Hotel (now the Sam Houston) in Downtown Houston. Taking its name from a century-old description of Houston as a city where “17 railroads meet the sea” the restaurant sought to bring top-notch service to locals and guests of the boutique hotel. Chef Ryan Pera served as executive chef of the restaurant from 2005 to 2008 and helped cultivate a superb team of professionals who have since gone on to develop their culinary careers around the world, from opening James Beard Award-winning restaurants to stints on national TV.

Fourteen members of the 17* kitchen team spanning from 2004 to 2009 will reunite on October 1st for a one-night-only dinner to benefit those affected by the hurricane.

*17 Reunites for Relief will be held at Ralph Smith’s Studios in the Bellaire neighborhood. Smith has generously donated the space and the chefs are all donating their time. Miner Family Wines, Victory Wine Group and Saint Arnold Brewing Co. are donating the wine and beer for the evening and a silent auction will feature rare and coveted items as well as luxury culinary experiences donated from across Texas and beyond. Funds raised from the dinner will go to Southern Smoke, a nonprofit which this year is providing emergency assistance funds to those in Houston’s hospitality community affected by the storm.